Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm completed for $4 billion in cash and stock

By Richard Halstead Marin Independent Journal

Posted:
12/21/2012 07:57:47 PM PST

It's official -- the Walt Disney Co. announced Friday that it had completed its acquisition of Lucasfilm Ltd. for $4.06 billion in cash and stock.

The Burbank-based company said it issued 37.1 million shares and made a cash payment of $2.21 billion to buy the maker of "Star Wars" from its sole owner, George Lucas.

The total transaction value was based on Friday's closing price of $50 for Disney shares.

The deal includes special effects giant Industrial Light & Magic, video game maker LucasArts and sound studio Skywalker Sound. Disney managers have said they will revive the "Star Wars" franchise, beginning with "Episode 7" in 2015. But they have given no indication how or if they plan to alter Lucasfilm or the other business components included in the deal.

Lucas moved Lucasfilm Ltd. and Industrial Light & Magic out of Marin to the Presidio in San Francisco in 2005. But Lucas, who has a home atop a hill in San Anselmo, continues to have a major presence in Marin, since his deal with Disney did not include thousands of acres of land he owns in Lucas Valley. And Skywalker Sound remains at his Skywalker Ranch in Lucas Valley.